1956 Austin A 35 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 35. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 35 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 35. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 35. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 481 kg more than 1956 Austin A 35. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1972 BMW 520 (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 35. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 35.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 35 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 35 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 946 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 749 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |
